The Best Ankles Socks for Men in 2023: From everyday wear to workouts

A versatile ankle sock that falls somewhere between no-shows and crew socks should be included in your arsenal of footsheaths.

The best men’s ankle socks are those that fall just below or barely cover the ankle bone. These socks are not just for tennis or hiking. They can be worn for many different reasons.

If you’re looking for a knock around pair (or 12) to get you through the summer, there are plenty of inexpensive pairs out there. You want to sit on the couch and have your be-socked feet pointed straight at a crackling flame? A variety of patterns are available in both colorful and handsome styles. And if you’re training for a race and need a little compression to keep things comfortable—you guessed it—there are plenty of men’s ankle socks that have you covered.

The Key Takeaways 

Like all of the best men’s socks out there, ankle socks can make a huge impact on your comfort level in almost any scenario. I’m going to run the gamut of ankle sock-dom throughout this article, but the pair that came out on top is Tracksmith’s merino wool no-shows (which, for reasons I’ll unpack soon, are more show-y than the name might suggest).

The socks that are on this list, as well as others, tick all the essential boxes, such a breathability, sweat-wicking materials and compression where needed. They also have ankle tabs for preventing slippage.

Material: 73% Merino Wool, 26% Polyamide, 1% Elastane  | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 4

Yes, these are marketed as no-show socks—and they are depending on the shoes—but this pair of merino wool socks from Tracksmith has the bones (and the height) of ankle socks. And considering the obsessive attention to detail and craftsmanship that Tracksmith puts into all of its garments, that’s good enough for me and good enough to land them the top spot on my list of the 14 best ankle socks for men.

It’s no surprise, then, that Tracksmith specializes in running gear. They’re lightweight, breathable, anti-odor, and feature structure and compression in all the right places. But, as fate would it, all of these features are excellent for everyday use and any other purpose you may choose.

Material: 84% cotton 14% polyamide 2% elastane | Sizes: 36-40, 41-45 | Colors: 5

This stylish pair of cotton socks will make a statement. Axel Arigato They are made to move with your feet. And being cotton, they’re as soft as the day is long. Unless it’s a winter day. If so, then it is a horrible analogy. Moving on…

They’re available in five colors, though I’m partial to the subtle pop of muted green that the Desert Sage option offers. This pair also stands out thanks to the jacquard-knit Arigato logo that is emblazoned on the front.

Material: 81% organic cotton, 15% polyamide, 2% elastic  | Sizes: XS-L | Colors: 3

The word “workout” is a broad stroke. For you, it could mean anything from walking your dog or running a race to going spelunking together with Kevin. Kevin’s always getting you into trouble. Anyway, you’re going to need a sock that can keep up with whatever your active lifestyle throws at it.

This 3-pack of socks from London Sock Co. is perfect for you. It has a reinforced heel, an integrated arch support and antibacterial treatment that keeps things smelling good. It also features the company’s logo on the back tab to add a touch of whimsy to these colorful socks.

Material: Bamboo 87%  | Sizes: One size | Colors: 1

Bamboo is the key to making this pair of ankle socks some of the most comfortable for men. For starters, they’re super soft (Loci prides their blend on being second only to silk in terms of softness). But they’re also breathable, durable, help wick sweat away, and won’t lock in odors. You can’t go wrong by making this your everyday casual pair of super cozy socks.

And this being a black pair of socks, you’re going to find that it’s appropriate to wear basically anywhere except for weddings, interviews, date nights, after-work cocktails… actually, maybe just wear them for ankle sock things.

Material: 88.3% Cotton, 10.7% Polyester, 1% Spandex  | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3

The Best Ankle Socks For Men are available at an affordable price. They feature moisture-wicking, breathable, cotton socks, reinforced toes and arch support. There’s also non-slip, non-slip, and compression features where you need them.

There are a few other essential colors they come in, but you’ll want to grab a 6-pack or two of the standard white. They’ll be your go-to socks for countless occasions, from jogging or walking the dog to grabbing the mail or keeping the couch warm on a winter night. They’re white socks. You’ll figure it out.

Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex  | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 3

Chances are, you’re not looking to reinvent the wheel when it comes to which ankle socks you put into your everyday rotation. You’re looking to buy ankle socks that are made of sturdy materials and have basic colors. They should also be affordable.

If that’s you, this 10-pack on Amazon is what you’re looking for. For the price and the quantity you’re getting, these socks have a surprising number of features. You might want to look for socks with elastic cuffs that prevent slippage, and reinforced heels and toes.

Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Spandex  | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 2

Asics Cushion Quarters are a great option for those looking for a pair of socks without too many features. The socks are made with engineered mesh that allows your feet to breathe, and the soles and ankles are extra thick.

Reserve the flashy, colorful socks for ski trips and holidays—these are the ones you’ll want to kick up on the couch in front of a roaring fire and a guilty pleasure of a show.

Material: 98% Polyester, 2% Elastane  | Sizes: L-XL | Colors: 3

Do you love to go outside and smack a shitup? Comfort is important to you? Love men’s ankle socks in general? All perfectly acceptable reasons to love Carhartt’s Force socks. Yes, Carhartt’s resurgence and arguable shift from actual workwear to streetwear has been the stuff of memes since the 2010s.

But if you strip all of that away, you’re still left with an impressive line of garments that can take a beating while keeping you comfortable and supported. This specimen, with its reinforced ankle and arch, sweat- and smell-wicking properties and breathable mesh, is no exception.

Material: 43% nylon, 28% wool, 27% tencel, 2% spandex  | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 7

I’ve been wearing Feetures compression socks on my runs for years now and find them among the best technical socks that I can still wear even when I’m not running. Its seamless construction and targeted compression areas keep distractions down on runs.

The Merino 10, however, takes things to a whole new level. The addition of Feetures’ Tencel and merino wool blend keeps feet warm in the winter and cool during the warmer months, and the comfort level is off the charts—you won’t even know they’re there.

Material: 86% Supima cotton, 13% nylon, 1% lycra  | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 65

Watermelons. Pandas. Pizza. Dinosaurs. Martinis. Toy Story. Tacos. Space Jam.

This is my shortlist. But it also happens to be a shortlist of the themes available in MeUndies’ impressive catalog of men’s ankle socks. There are a staggering 64 colors and themes to choose from, the most fun falling under their “Adventurous” category. Also, they make for a fun gift.

But it’s not all fun and games with this cast of everyday-essential characters. All 65 pairs feature super-soft Supima fabric, a cushioned footbed, a blister-preventing tab at the ankle, and a seamless feel toe.

Which is all fine and good, but in case you forgot… Space Jam socks.

Material: 66% merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% spandex  | Sizes: S-XL | Colors: 2

When you saw the words “sweat absorbent” up there, did your brain automatically fast-forward to merino wool? If so, yay. Keep reading if not.

Merino wool is somewhat of a miracle fabric for those with an active lifestyle in that it provides warmth when it’s cold and keeps your feet cool when it’s hot. And yes, it’s far and away one of the best sweat-wicking fabrics out there. Not only is this pair from Swiftwick made mostly of natural merino wool, it’s got all the other bells and whistles like a seamless toe box and reinforced heel and toe.

Material: 48% merino wool, 48% nylon, 3% spandex  | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 3

The first thing you might notice about these socks is that they’re unnecessarily eye-catching. The second thing you might notice is that they’re made by Bombas (strong quality signal from the jump). The third thing is? Golf. If you’re a golfer, consider this great news. If you’re not a golfer, also consider this great news. Just because they’re marketed as golf socks doesn’t mean they need to be pigeonholed to golf.

A few properties that make this one of the best men’s ankle socks are its breathability, sweat-wicking properties, seamless toe, and the fact that it won’t slip down your ankle when you’re doing whatever it is that you do. Oh, and that they’re perfect for every occasion, even if golf isn’t one of them.

Material: 95% nylon, 5% elastane  | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 2

Keeping the performance sock train rolling, Lululemon’s MacroPillow Tabs are ready for action and incredibly lightweight. They’re designed for running but would also make for solid additions to your daily rotation.

The heel tab may be a little oversized, yet it helps keep the socks tight against your ankles. Meanwhile, the heel’s construction is designed to give you a locked-in feeling whether you’re running, biking, hiking, or doing anything active. And speaking of activity, Lululemon’s “No-Stink Zinc” treatment helps curb the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

Material: 69% cotton, 27% poly, 3% rubber and 1% spandex  | Sizes: M-XL | Colors: 12

Ankle dress socks. Here you thought that this was a complete oxymoron. But let’s unpack this a bit, shall we? You wouldn’t wear ankle socks with a suit. You wouldn’t wear them out for drinks, either. In fact, there are very few scenarios where you’d find yourself wearing even the best ankle socks for men in a formal situation.

Enter: The shoeless soirée. Imagine it. You go to a holiday party at a friend’s house. It’s a swanky affair, but they’ve got a toddler and don’t want your germy shoes all over the hardwoods. Are your socks presentable? You’re on a third date, and it’s time to get cozy on the couch with a thriller and some Red Vines. Are your socks presentable?

Bombas offers a handsome 6-pack winter ankle socks.

What to Look for in the Best Ankle Socks For Men

Function

Ankle socks come in a variety of styles. These socks can keep your feet warm and dry during a marathon or a day hike. They are also great for watching a movie, an apres ski session, or a home movie. All of the best men’s ankle socks were designed for specific uses. To get the most out of them, consider your lifestyle, how they’ll pair with what you’re wearing, and why you’re buying them in general, then weigh their features against those considerations.

Design

The majority of ankle socks are made to be visible, even if it is only in a subtle way. That in mind, you’re free to make the statement you want to make… even if that statement is nothing more than, “I’m running, leave me and my black socks alone.” Your socks’ design is subjective—just know that the sky’s the limit in terms of how the things look.

Material

The material used in any sock has a big impact. Some ankle socks are made from merino, a fabric that is incredibly durable. But if you’re just looking for a comfortable knockaround sock, there’s no shortage of cotton options out there. Think about what you’ll be doing in your ankle socks and choose a material accordingly.

Final Verdict 

Ankle socks are all about performance and comfort, regardless of how they look and why you’re wearing them. Tracksmith Merino No-Show Socks are my top pick. They have everything you need in a sock, including breathability and durability.